Make Small Talk

Quick Win

Deep talks are satisfying, but quick chats can be meaningful, too. They can add up to a greater sense of connection and community.

Try This Today

• Slow down. Take time to exchange pleasantries with a cashier, librarian or neighbor instead of rushing through an interaction.
• Be inquisitive. Asking questions shows people you’re interested in them. A simple, “How are you doing today?” is a good start. Or remark on someone’s stylish glasses, singing voice or smile. Sincere flattery makes great inroads!
• Follow up. If someone you talk with mentions an ailing relative, a class they’re taking or an upcoming trip, ask about it the next time you see each other.

Why

It’s no secret that maintaining close bonds with friends and family supports good health. But small talk with strangers may be a source of strength, too. Casual contact with people like coworkers, neighbors, cashiers and mail carriers “can be a powerful source of positive social interaction and support,” according to the results of a study of 351 adults, with a mean age of 48, published in Cureus in 2025. Having a network of casual acquaintances may help protect against cognitive decline, too: People with the largest, most diverse networks of these “weak ties” performed better on cognitive tests than people with fewer weak ties in a study of 386 adults ages 55 and older published in Scientific Reports in 2026.